Date:27/07/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/07/27/stories/2005072721040300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

We have taken steps to prevent terrorist attacks, say police

Staff Reporter

We are aware of terrorists' plans to strike at vital installations: Ajai Kumar Singh

BANGALORE: The Bangalore Police Commissioner, Ajai Kumar Singh, on Tuesday said the police are aware of terrorists' plans to attack vital installations in the city.

Addressing presspersons, he said the police have taken steps to prevent attacks. They are gathering information on the activities of suspected terrorist organisations. "We are also in contact with other security agencies and have made appropriate security arrangements. There is no cause for tension as the situation is under control," he said.

Dr. Singh said the city police have an adequate number of specially trained personnel, including commandos of the Karnataka State Reserve Police. "The trained men will be made use of whenever needed," he added.

Live bands

On the live-bands issue, Dr. Singh said he will strictly implement the notification that empowers him to grant licences to live-band joints, discotheques and cabarets in the city. "I will act in accordance with the notification. There is no case of me buckling under political pressure and diluting the enforcement of the notification," he said. The Government, through a notification dated May 23, brought live-band joints, discotheques and cabarets under the purview of public entertainment.

The Police Commissioner is empowered to grant licence considering factors such as public interest, status and antecedents of the applicant, availability of parking place, impact on law and order, and vicinity of the place to educational and religious institutions. Refuting newspaper reports that he has rejected all applications, Dr. Singh said he has rejected only four of the 41 applications received.